What are the Advantages of Software Prototyping?

Posted by Evelyn Raagmets on December 23rd, 2015

Prototyping of software is an activity within which prototypes or incomplete versions of software applications are created. This procedure allows software users to evaluate the developer’s proposals for the product’s design by trying them out rather than relying on descriptions to interpret and evaluate the design. Only a few aspects of the features of eventual program are typically simulated with a prototype. However, prototypes may be completely different from the final implementation.

In this article, we will be mentioning few benefits of this procedure.

Benefits of Software Prototyping

•    It enables the software designer and implementer to get feedback from users at an early stage in the project
•    It becomes easy for the client and contractor to compare if the software made matches the software specifications on the basis of which it has been built
•    Prototyping gives the software engineer some insight into the accuracy of the project estimates at an initial stage. It helps them understand whether or not it will be possible to meet the proposed milestones or deadlines
•    Prototyping also helps in comparing alternative design choices, visualizing and creating workflows, identifying things that won’t work at an early stage, clarifying requirements, increasing the understanding of the conceptual system and providing direction and design focus
•    It helps demonstrate how a built system will be working

Prototype software development has various advantages such as reduced costs and time. It helps in improving the quality of specifications and requirements that are provided to developers. Determining what the users want at an early stage results in less expensive and faster software. If changes are detected later in development stage, it can cost more to implement the changes.

Increased user involvement is another advantage of prototyping. It requires involvement from users and allows them to interact with a prototype which allows them to provide better specifications and feedback. Misunderstandings and miscommunications can be prevented with the presence of the prototype. Compared to the development team, users know the problem domain better. The final product can be made of intangible quality with the help of increased interaction.

Prototype models can either be used in combination with other models or as a standalone process model. It helps when requirements are not clear or when the customer is not clear about the input, output and process details of the software.
There are several variants of this process; however, there mainly two major types- Evolutionary Prototyping and Throwaway Prototyping.

Prototyping Process

There are different steps involved in the prototyping procedure. First step is the identification of basic requirements. Once the requirements are identified, basic requirements including the desired input and output information is determined.

Third step is the development of initial prototype which includes only user interfaces. Next step is review. The customers and end users examine the prototype and provide their feedback on changes or additions in the software. Next step involves the enhancing of prototype and finally, the feedback is used for improvising.

Author Bio : -
Neha works for a software company and also blogs about software prototyping or prototype software development and its benefits.

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Evelyn Raagmets

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Evelyn Raagmets
Joined: December 23rd, 2015
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